A current West Essex doctor will soon be spending one day per week focusing on enhancing cancer services and support for patients in Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford, following a request from West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (West Essex CCG).

As well as continuing their day job, the Macmillan GP will be responsible for liaising with the GP community in the area to promote ideas for improvement and ensure ongoing education of peers.

In order to do this they will spend a morning and afternoon each week meeting with other GPs to enhance their knowledge and skills around the delivery of services for patients with cancer.

Christine Moss, clinical director at West Essex CCG, said: “This is an excellent result for patients and means people in west Essex affected by cancer will see more confident, responsive community care.

“Working closely with Macmillan is one of the ways the CCG is working collaboratively with other organisations to provide better joined up care for patients.”

Tatyana Guveli, Macmillan development manager, added: “Macmillan GPs lead the way in pushing for better cancer care in their area. They do this by working closely with other health and social care professionals to improve standards and raise awareness. This could include identifying areas where training is needed, such as recognising the symptoms of a rare cancer.

“It is great news for West Essex that there is to be a Macmillan GP for the area. We are delighted to be working in partnership with West Essex CCG and look forward to seeing the benefits this new position will bring to local people.”

The CCG and Macmillan will now work together to mentor a doctor currently working in West Essex to become the Macmillan GP, who will be paid for their time by Macmillan.

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